Excel Entertainment
Excel Entertainment is an Indian film production and distribution company founded in 1999 by producer Ritesh Sidhwani and filmmaker-actor [Farhan Akhtar](/page/Farhan Akhtar) in Mumbai, with a vision to create contemporary Indian cinema.[1] The company debuted with the critically acclaimed Dil Chahta Hai (2001), directed by Farhan Akhtar, which explored themes of friendship and urban youth culture, setting a new benchmark for modern Bollywood storytelling.[2][3] Since its inception, Excel has produced a diverse array of successful Hindi films, including the war drama Lakshya (2004), the action thriller Don (2006 and its 2011 sequel), the musical Rock On!! (2008), the road-trip comedy Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), the family drama Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), the hip-hop musical Gully Boy (2019), which was selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, and recent releases such as Superboys of Malegaon (2025).[1][4][5][6] In addition to theatrical releases, Excel has expanded into digital media, producing the acclaimed crime thriller web series Mirzapur (2018–present) for Amazon Prime Video, which has garnered widespread popularity for its gritty narrative and strong performances.[7][8] The company's portfolio reflects a commitment to innovative storytelling, blending commercial success with artistic merit, and continues to influence contemporary Indian entertainment.[1]History
Founding and Early Productions
Excel Entertainment was founded in 1999 in Mumbai by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar as an independent production house dedicated to producing contemporary Indian cinema that emphasized innovative storytelling and quality entertainment.[1] Sidhwani, from a business family involved in the home appliances sector, brought marketing and operational expertise from his prior work in the family enterprise, while Akhtar, son of renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar and screenwriter Honey Irani, contributed creative insights shaped by his upbringing in the film industry.[9][10] Their longstanding friendship, dating back to school days, formed the foundation of this partnership, allowing them to blend business acumen with artistic passion to challenge traditional Bollywood narratives.[9] The company's debut production, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), marked Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut and captured the ethos of youth-oriented, urban stories by diverging from mainstream Bollywood formulas with its focus on friendship, love, and personal growth among young adults in modern India.[11] The film follows three inseparable college friends—Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan), and Siddharth "Sid" (Akshaye Khanna)—as they navigate post-collegiate life, romantic entanglements, and evolving priorities that test their bond, set against vibrant urban backdrops like Mumbai and Goa.[12] Featuring a stellar ensemble including Preity Zinta and Dimple Kapadia, it earned widespread critical acclaim for its fresh narrative style, realistic portrayal of urban youth, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's acclaimed soundtrack, revolutionizing depictions of friendship in Indian cinema.[13] Commercially, it performed averagely at the box office, grossing approximately ₹39.72 crore worldwide, but its cultural impact was profound, popularizing themes of self-discovery and road trips.[14] At the 49th National Film Awards, it won the Best Feature Film in Hindi, underscoring its artistic merit.[15] Following this breakthrough, Excel Entertainment produced Lakshya (2004), another Farhan Akhtar directorial starring Hrithik Roshan as the aimless Karan Shergill, who finds purpose by enlisting in the Indian Army amid the Kargil conflict.[16] The production faced significant challenges, including grueling shoots in the remote Ladakh region without modern communication tools like mobile phones, which tested the crew's resilience in harsh high-altitude conditions.[17] The film explored themes of patriotism, personal transformation, and duty, portraying the protagonist's journey from irresponsibility to battlefield heroism in a nuanced manner that avoided overt jingoism.[18] With supporting performances by Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan, and Om Puri, it resonated with audiences for its motivational narrative and realistic depiction of military life.[16] Despite initial box office hurdles, Lakshya achieved commercial success by grossing around ₹40 crore worldwide against a ₹30 crore budget, later gaining cult status for inspiring youth toward self-discipline and national service.[19] From its inception, Excel Entertainment's early ethos centered on crafting relatable, youth-centric tales that prioritized emotional authenticity and urban sensibilities over formulaic melodrama, setting a new benchmark for independent Hindi filmmaking in the early 2000s.[1]Growth and Diversification
Following the success of its early productions, Excel Entertainment expanded its portfolio in the mid-2000s by venturing into high-profile action remakes and ensemble dramas, marking a phase of commercial scaling and creative experimentation. The 2006 remake of Don, directed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Shah Rukh Khan, exemplified this shift with its stylish action narrative, achieving commercial success by grossing ₹70.49 crore in India and establishing the Don franchise as a box office staple.[20] This was followed by Rock On!! (2008), directed by Abhishek Kapoor, which explored themes of music and friendship, earning critical acclaim and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 56th National Film Awards. Excel further diversified with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), a road trip comedy-drama directed by Zoya Akhtar that grossed ₹89.96 crore nett in India and received praise for its themes of self-discovery and camaraderie among friends.[21] By 2015, Dil Dhadakne Do, another Zoya Akhtar-directed family drama set on a cruise, grossed ₹75.05 crore nett, highlighting Excel's knack for blending ensemble casts with introspective storytelling while maintaining strong box office performance.[22] The company's growth extended into a broader range of genres, reflecting its adaptability to evolving audience preferences and collaborations with diverse directors. Productions like Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. (2007), a comedy anthology, and Luck by Chance (2009), a Bollywood satire directed by Zoya Akhtar, introduced lighter, character-driven narratives. Thrillers such as Game (2011) and Talaash (2012, co-production) added suspense elements, while comedies like Fukrey (2013) captured youth-oriented humor, spawning a successful franchise. The 2017 co-production Raees, a crime drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, further solidified Excel's presence in genre-blending spectacles, contributing to its reputation for contemporary storytelling across action, drama, and comedy. These efforts, building on the foundational vision from Dil Chahta Hai—which itself won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi—demonstrated Excel's evolution into a versatile producer capable of balancing artistic merit with market demands. In 2017, Excel marked its entry into over-the-top (OTT) platforms through its media and entertainment arm, diversifying beyond theatrical releases amid the rise of digital streaming in India. The debut series Inside Edge on Amazon Prime Video, a sports drama about cricket franchise intrigue, was nominated for the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, signaling Excel's quick adaptation to serialized content.[23] This was succeeded by acclaimed Amazon originals like Mirzapur (2018), a gritty crime saga, and Made in Heaven (2019), an exploration of weddings and social dynamics, both of which boosted Excel's digital footprint and garnered widespread viewership. By the early 2020s, partnerships expanded to include Netflix, with the 2023 crime thriller series Dahaad exemplifying cross-platform collaborations.[24] From 2018 to 2025, Excel accelerated its multi-platform strategy, blending theatrical films with OTT series while forging alliances with global streamers like Prime Video and Netflix. Key theatrical releases included Superboys of Malegaon (2024), a coming-of-age drama directed by Reema Kagti that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival; Yudhra (2024), an action thriller; and Ground Zero (2025), a suspenseful narrative.[25] On the digital front, films such as Agni (2024), a firefighting drama released on Prime Video, and Songs of Paradise (2025), a Kashmir-set music film acquired in partnership with Danish Renzu and released on Prime Video, alongside series such as Mirzapur 3 (2024) continued the franchise's momentum on Prime Video, Angry Young Men (2024), a documentary on screenwriting legends; Dabba Cartel (2025); and Andhera (2025). These developments underscored Excel's growth into a hybrid producer, with milestones like the Don series' sustained box office dominance and National Film Awards affirming its enduring impact on Indian entertainment.[26]Productions
Feature Films
Excel Entertainment's feature films represent a cornerstone of its production portfolio, beginning with the company's debut in 2001 and evolving through collaborations with acclaimed directors and ensemble casts across genres such as drama, thriller, comedy, and action. The studio has produced over 25 feature films, often emphasizing innovative storytelling, urban narratives, and youth-centric themes, with many achieving commercial success and critical acclaim. As of November 2025, Excel has produced 24 feature films (including co-productions).[9] The company's inaugural project, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), directed by Farhan Akhtar, starred Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, and Dimple Kapadia in a coming-of-age story about friendship and love among urban youth, filmed on a budget of approximately ₹8 crore with innovative use of contemporary music and editing. It grossed ₹20.02 crore nett in India, earning an average verdict, and won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Akshaye Khanna.[14][27][28] Following this, Lakshya (2004), also directed by Farhan Akhtar, featured Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, and Amitabh Bachchan in a war drama about personal growth during the Kargil conflict, produced on a budget of around ₹20 crore with extensive location shooting in Ladakh. The film collected approximately ₹27 crore nett domestically (from ₹34.32 crore gross), achieving a flop status, and received National Film Award for Best Choreography.[29] Don (2006), Farhan Akhtar's remake of the 1978 classic, starred Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Arjun Rampal in an action-thriller, incorporating high-octane stunts and a modernized narrative on a ₹45 crore budget. It earned ₹51.32 crore nett in India, marking a super-hit, and was nominated for several Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor for Shah Rukh Khan.[30] In 2007, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., directed by Reema Kagti, showcased an ensemble cast including Abhay Deol, Minissha Lamba, Kay Kay Menon, and Shabana Azmi in a comedy-drama about quirky newlyweds, produced with a modest budget emphasizing ensemble dynamics. The film grossed ₹18.17 crore nett, receiving a semi-hit verdict, and won the Filmfare Award for Best Editing.[31] Rock On!! (2008), helmed by Abhishek Kapoor, starred Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, and Luke Kenny as a rock band reuniting, with a ₹15 crore budget highlighting original music compositions. It collected ₹27.46 crore nett in India, a hit, and secured Filmfare Awards for Best Film (Critics) and Best Actor (Critics) for Farhan Akhtar.[32] Lucky by Chance (2009), Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut, featured Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Shah Rukh Khan in a satirical take on Bollywood aspirations, produced on ₹12 crore with insider industry commentary. The film grossed ₹12.35 crore nett, underperforming commercially but praised for its script.[33] Karthik Calling Karthik (2010), directed by Vijay Lalwani, starred Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone in a psychological thriller about schizophrenia, budgeted at ₹15 crore with innovative sound design. It earned ₹19.15 crore nett, a semi-hit, and was noted for its mental health portrayal.[34][35] Shor in the City (2010), co-directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, featured an ensemble including Tusshar Kapoor, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and Pitobash in interconnected Mumbai stories, on a low ₹8 crore budget. Grossing ₹6.8 crore nett, it received critical acclaim and the National Film Award for Best Editing.[36] Game (2011), directed by Abhinay Deo, starred Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut, and Anupam Kher in a heist thriller, produced with ₹30 crore incorporating 3D elements. It collected ₹15.64 crore nett, flopping at the box office.[37][38] Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), directed by Zoya Akhtar, boasted Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, and Naseeruddin Shah in a road-trip comedy-drama, budgeted at ₹55 crore with international shoots in Spain. The film grossed ₹92.36 crore nett in India, a blockbuster, winning multiple Filmfare Awards including Best Film and Best Director.[39] Don 2 (2011), Farhan Akhtar's sequel, starred Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Bipasha Basu in an action-packed caper, on a ₹70 crore budget with advanced VFX and Berlin shoots. It earned ₹106.71 crore nett domestically, a super-hit, and received Filmfare nominations for Best Action.[40] Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), directed by Reema Kagti, featured Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor in a mystery thriller, produced at ₹50 crore with psychological depth. Grossing ₹93 crore nett, it was a hit and won Filmfare Awards for Best Screenplay and Best Editing.[41] Fukrey (2013), helmed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, starred Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Ali Fazal, and Richa Chadha in a comedy about dream interpreters, on a ₹10 crore budget. It collected ₹36 crore nett, a hit, launching a successful franchise.[42] Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Zoya Akhtar's family drama, featured Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, and Farhan Akhtar aboard a cruise, budgeted at ₹70 crore with ensemble focus. The film grossed ₹78 crore nett, average verdict, and was nominated for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress for Priyanka Chopra.[43] Bangistan (2015), directed by Karan Anshuman, starred Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat in a satirical comedy on terrorism, produced at ₹30 crore. It underperformed with ₹19 crore nett gross.[44] Raees (2017), co-produced with Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Rahul Dholakia, starred Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a crime drama based on bootlegging, on a ₹90 crore budget. It earned ₹137.54 crore nett in India, a blockbuster, winning Filmfare Best Actor for Shah Rukh Khan.[45] Fukrey Returns (2017), sequel directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, reunited the original cast with additions like Varun Sharma's expanded role, budgeted at ₹20 crore. Grossing ₹80.12 crore nett, it was a super-hit.[46] Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018), co-produced with JA Entertainment and directed by Abhishek Sharma, starred John Abraham in a thriller on India's 1998 nuclear tests, on ₹30 crore budget. It collected ₹66 crore nett, a hit.[47] Super 30 (2019), co-produced with Phantom Films and directed by Vikas Bahl, featured Hrithik Roshan as mathematician Anand Kumar, budgeted at ₹80 crore with educational theme. Grossing ₹208 crore worldwide, it was a super-hit and won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.[48] Gully Boy (2019), directed by Zoya Akhtar, starred Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Vijay Varma in a musical drama inspired by rappers Divine and Naezy, produced at ₹30 crore with original hip-hop tracks. It earned ₹240 crore worldwide, a blockbuster, securing India's first Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film and Filmfare Best Film.[49] Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), co-produced and directed by Hitesh Kewalya, starred Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar in a LGBTQ+ rom-com, on ₹25 crore budget. Grossing ₹48 crore nett pre-pandemic, it won Filmfare Best Film (Critics).[50] Fukrey 3 (2023), third installment directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, featured the core cast with Pankaj Tripathi, budgeted at ₹30 crore. It collected ₹76.09 crore nett, a hit.[51] Yudhra (2024), directed by Ravi Udyawar, starred Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan in an action-thriller, produced at ₹40 crore with intense training sequences. It grossed approximately ₹11.31 crore nett. Superboys of Malegaon (2025), directed by Reema Kagti, is a biographical comedy-drama about amateur filmmakers, starring Adarsh Gourav and Vineet Kumar Singh, emphasizing grassroots cinema. It grossed approximately ₹3.54 crore nett.[52] Upcoming releases include Ground Zero (directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar), and Songs of Paradise (directed by Ananth Mahadevan), continuing the studio's diversification into action and drama.[53]| Year | Title | Director | Key Cast | Production Notes | Box Office (India Nett, ₹ crore) | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Dil Chahta Hai | Farhan Akhtar | Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna | Debut film; urban youth focus | 20.02 (Average) | Filmfare Best Supporting Actor (Akshaye Khanna) |
| 2004 | Lakshya | Farhan Akhtar | Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta | Kargil-inspired war drama | 27 (Flop) | National Award for Best Choreography |
| 2006 | Don | Farhan Akhtar | Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra | Remake with modern action | 51.32 (Super-Hit) | Filmfare nominations incl. Best Actor |
| 2007 | Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. | Reema Kagti | Abhay Deol, Minissha Lamba | Ensemble comedy | 18.17 (Semi-Hit) | Filmfare Best Editing |
| 2008 | Rock On!! | Abhishek Kapoor | Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal | Rock music drama | 27.46 (Hit) | Filmfare Best Film (Critics), Best Actor (Critics) |
| 2009 | Luck by Chance | Zoya Akhtar | Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma | Bollywood satire | 12.35 (Flop) | - |
| 2010 | Karthik Calling Karthik | Vijay Lalwani | Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone | Psychological thriller | 19.15 (Semi-Hit) | - |
| 2010 | Shor in the City | Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK | Tusshar Kapoor, Sendhil Ramamurthy | Interlinked stories | 6.8 (Flop) | National Award for Best Editing |
| 2011 | Game | Abhinay Deo | Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut | Heist thriller in 3D | 15.64 (Flop) | - |
| 2011 | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | Zoya Akhtar | Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar | Road-trip comedy | 92.36 (Blockbuster) | Filmfare Best Film, Best Director |
| 2011 | Don 2 | Farhan Akhtar | Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra | Action sequel with VFX | 106.71 (Super-Hit) | Filmfare Best Action nomination |
| 2012 | Talaash | Reema Kagti | Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji | Mystery thriller | 93 (Hit) | Filmfare Best Screenplay, Best Editing |
| 2013 | Fukrey | Mrighdeep Singh Lamba | Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma | Comedy franchise start | 36 (Hit) | - |
| 2015 | Dil Dhadakne Do | Zoya Akhtar | Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra | Family cruise drama | 78 (Average) | Filmfare Best Supporting Actress nomination |
| 2015 | Bangistan | Karan Anshuman | Riteish Deshmukh, Pulkit Samrat | Satirical comedy | 19 (Flop) | - |
| 2017 | Raees (co-prod.) | Rahul Dholakia | Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan | Crime drama | 137.54 (Blockbuster) | Filmfare Best Actor |
| 2017 | Fukrey Returns | Mrighdeep Singh Lamba | Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma | Comedy sequel | 80.12 (Super-Hit) | - |
| 2018 | Parmanu (co-prod.) | Abhishek Sharma | John Abraham | Nuclear test thriller | 66 (Hit) | - |
| 2019 | Super 30 (co-prod.) | Vikas Bahl | Hrithik Roshan | Biopic | 146.94 (Hit, worldwide 208.93) | National Award Best Hindi Film |
| 2019 | Gully Boy | Zoya Akhtar | Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt | Rap musical | 139.22 (Blockbuster, worldwide 240) | Oscar nomination, Filmfare Best Film |
| 2020 | Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (co-prod.) | Hitesh Kewalya | Ayushmann Khurrana, Jitendra Kumar | LGBTQ+ rom-com | 48 (Semi-Hit) | Filmfare Best Film (Critics) |
| 2023 | Fukrey 3 | Mrighdeep Singh Lamba | Pulkit Samrat, Pankaj Tripathi | Comedy trilogy | 76.09 (Hit) | - |
| 2024 | Yudhra | Ravi Udyawar | Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan | Action-thriller | 11.31 (Flop) | - |
| 2025 | Superboys of Malegaon | Reema Kagti | Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh | Biographical comedy | 3.54 (Flop) | - |